Deputy City Manager Bob Cowell is in contention for the job as City Manager of Tacoma.
Cowell was selected as one of three finalists who would be considered for the job, on Saturday. The Tacoma City Council met to consider the finalists in an executive session, before later announcing the addition of Tacoma City Attorney Elizabeth Pauli into the pool of finalists. There are now doubts that one of the three outsiders selected as finalists will be appointed to the position in Tacoma.
In Tacoma's News Tribune, Tacoma City Councilman Joe Lonergan praised Cowell, calling his an "exceptionally good candidate." Lonergan did express an interest in appointing Pauli to the position, however, citing that she is currently fulfilling the duties of Interim City Manager.
Cowell was in contention with former Fayetteville, North Carolina Deputy City Manager Kristoff Bauer and Evanston, Illinois City Manager Walter Bobkiewicz. This is the second time in the past six months that Cowell has been a finalist for a City Manager job. Cowell was previously a finalist for the job of Amarillo City Manager, following the departure of interim City Manager Terry L. Childers. San Marcos City Manager Jared Miller was later chosen for the position.
The Tacoma City Council is set to make an official decision on Tuesday.
